JP2000275250A - Automatic analyzer, sample analyzing method, container with dot code and inspection result report with dot code - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate a trouble in operation for an operator, eliminate a possibility of an input mistake or the mishandling of inspection results and simply control data. SOLUTION: This automatic analyzer analyzing the component items in a sample reads and regenerates the dot code information shown on a reagent container 14, a sample container 16 and a reagent attached document 18 with a pen type reader 24 or a dot code scanner 26 and displays the information corresponding to the regenerated dot code information on a monitor 28. The analyzed information or the optionally generated information is outputted as a dot code 20 by a reel seal printer 12, and it can be stuck to an inspection result report 60 printed by a printer 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing a sample, a method for analyzing a sample, a container with a dot code, and an inspection result report with a dot code. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been known various automatic analyzers for automatically analyzing a sample. One of them is a device which can input various information used by reading a bar code. is there.

That is, barcodes used in such an automatic analyzer are provided on a container of a sample to be analyzed and a container of a reagent used for analysis, and are provided with an individual identification number of the sample, a reagent lot, an expiration date, an It contains information for automatic analyzer management, such as item names. The information that is not contained in the barcode is manually registered by the operator in the analyzer. The inspection result is printed on a paper as a report, or stored in a recording device such as an analyzer or a hard disk on a network.

As an automatic analyzer using such a bar code, for example, JP-A-7-151766, JP-A-8-94626, and JP-A-8-2620.
No. 29, and the like.

[0005]

By the way, in order to receive a sample in the automatic analyzer, it is necessary to register analysis items to be analyzed of the sample in the automatic analyzer, and these analysis items are generally manually input. It is done in. In addition, since the amount of information recorded in a barcode is small, and the size of a container for storing a sample or a reagent has been reduced, conventional technology assigns all detailed information of a sample or a reagent to a container as barcode information. To do so, it is necessary to manually input the detailed information of the sample and the reagent. These things complicate the operation for the operator. Further, when reading the barcode, if the reading direction is not fixed, an error occurs and the analysis may not proceed.

[0006] In addition, the inspection results must be printed on paper as a report or stored in an analyzer or a recording device on a network, and must be kept as a separate document from the medical chart. If the inspection result is to be secondarily used on another computer, it is necessary to manually input the inspection result printed on paper or to take out information from a recording device in which the inspection result is stored. And the result of the inspection may be confused, or the data management may be complicated.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and eliminates the complexity of operation for the operator, eliminates the possibility of input errors and mistakes in inspection results, and facilitates data analysis with ease. Equipment, sample analysis method,
An object of the present invention is to provide a sample with a dot code and an inspection result report with a dot code.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention is an automatic analyzer for analyzing a component item in a sample, comprising: a reproducing means for reproducing dot code information; A display unit for displaying information corresponding to the dot code information reproduced by the reproducing unit, and an output unit for outputting dot information of analysis information or arbitrarily created information. Features.

Further, the method for analyzing a sample according to the present invention reads information from a dot code arranged in a container containing a sample and / or a reagent, and performs an analysis using the read information that contributes to control of the analysis. It is characterized by the following.

Here, the read information is information for controlling the calibration of the analyzer.

Further, the container with a dot code according to the present invention comprises: a container containing a sample and / or a reagent;
Alternatively, a code pattern of a dot code in which information is coded in a part of the information attached to the reagent is provided.

Further, the inspection result report with dot code according to the present invention is characterized in that the inspection result report has a dot code code pattern obtained by encoding the inspection result.

That is, according to the automatic analyzer, the method for analyzing a sample, the container with dot code, and the inspection result report with dot code according to the present invention, a large amount of data can be stored in the dot code, so that reagents and the like can be stored. If information is managed in dot code, these can be registered without key input, samples can be accepted, analysis results can be added to the report in dot code, and dot code can be created arbitrarily,
Since it can be easily restored by the reading device, an accurate and quick analysis environment can be provided.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention and is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer using a dot code.

Referring to FIG. 1, a reel seal printing machine 12 is connected to a computer 10. In addition, the reagent container 14, the sample container 16, or the reagent package insert 18 for the reagent thereof is provided with a dot code 20 including detailed information thereof. A pen-type reader 24 for reading these dot codes 20 and a dot code scanner 26 are connected to the computer 10 via an information reproducing device 22, and a monitor 28 as a display means and a printing machine as a printing means 30, an input device 32 as input means, and a recording device 34 as recording means are connected.

On the other hand, reagent containers 14 provided with dot codes 20 are arranged in a reagent table 38 of an analyzer 36, and a dot table 20 is provided in a sample table 40.
Are arranged in a row. An analyzer 36 for analyzing a sample using these reagents is connected to the computer 10.

The details of the information reproducing apparatus 22, the reel seal printing machine 12, and the pen type reader 24 are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-231466 by the applicant of the present invention, and the description thereof is omitted here. I do.

As the dot code 20, for example, a dot code as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 6-231466 and 9-81711 by the applicant of the present invention can be used.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, in the data format of the dot code 20, one block 42 is used.
Is composed of a marker 44, a block address 46, address error detection data 48, and a data area 50 in which data such as analysis information and inspection results actually enter.

Here, the marker 44 uses a pattern which does not normally come out by recording modulation. The block address 46 is data indicating the position of the block 42, and the error detection data 48 is used for determining an error in these addresses.

The recording data of such a format is
Data of "1" and "0" are printed such that "1" has a black dot and "0" has no black dot, for example, like a barcode. Hereinafter, such recording data is referred to as a data code.

Further, the dot code 20 is shown in FIG.
And (B). The dot code 20 has a configuration in which a plurality of blocks 42 composed of a plurality of dots arranged according to the content of data are arranged. That is, the blocks 42, which are data for each predetermined unit, are arranged collectively. One block 42 includes a marker 44, a block address 46, and a data area 50.

Each block 4 constituting the dot code 20
2 are two-dimensionally arrayed, and each has a block address 46 added thereto. The block address 46 has addresses corresponding to the X address and the Y address.

For example, in FIG. 3A, the upper left block is (X address, Y address) = (1, 1)
And On the other hand, the block address of the block to the right is (2, 1). In the same manner, the one in which the X address is incremented toward the right and the one in which the Y address is incremented toward the right are added. Then, the block address 46 is added to all the blocks 42.

Here, the lowermost marker and the rightmost marker are dummy markers 52. In other words, the block 42 corresponding to a certain marker 44 is the data obliquely lower right of the four markers 44 including the marker 44, and the lowermost and rightmost markers are the second lowermost and the second lowermost rightmost markers. An auxiliary marker placed to define a block for the marker, that is, a dummy marker 52.

Next, the contents of the block 42 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3B, the block 42
The block address 46 and the error detection data 48 of the block address are added to the marker 44 in addition to the marker below. Similarly, a block address 46 and its error detection data 48 are added between the marker 44 and the right marker. Thus, the block address 46 is arranged on the left and upper sides of the data area 50, and the marker 44 is arranged on the upper left corner. In this way, by recording the block address 46 at two locations, even when noise is superimposed on one block address and an error occurs, the other address can be reliably detected by detecting the other address.

Although the block address 46 is shown as an example where it is recorded at two places in one block, it may be at one place. And in another place,
By arranging the same predetermined pattern dot in all the blocks, it is conceivable to easily detect the center of the marker serving as the data dot reading reference point.

By adopting the two-dimensional block division method as described above, four adjacent markers are detected on the pen type reader 24 side, and the center between these markers is equally divided by the number of dots to normalize. Is performed to determine the reading point of each data dot 54, there is an advantage that it is resistant to enlargement, reduction, deformation and the like, and also resistant to camera shake and the like. In particular, even if the direction of the transfer of the dot code to the container or the sticking of the printing seal is slightly shifted, it is not necessary to keep the direction constant, which is preferable in that information is always accurately read.

As for the data dots 54 in the data area 50, for example, one dot has a size of several tens of μm. This can be up to several μm depending on the application or application, but is generally 40 μm, 20 μm, or 80 μm. Data area 50
Is, for example, a size of 64 × 64 dots.

These can be freely enlarged or reduced to the extent that the error due to the above-mentioned equal division can be absorbed. Further, the marker 44 has a function as a position index, and has a size that is not included in the modulated data, for example, a circular shape. It is a circular black marker having a diameter. Further, the block address 46 and its error detection data 48 are also constituted by dots similar to the data dots 54.

Next, the reel seal 56 will be described.

The data to which the marker 44 has been added as described above is sent to the reel seal printer 12 and printed on the reel seal 56 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. You. In this case, a margin 58 can be formed on the reel seal 56 so that characters and the like can be written in addition to the printing of the dot code 20. Therefore, the person name of the object to which the reel seal 56 is to be given, the next visit date, date and time, and the like can be written in the margin portion 58. As described above, if the dot code is used, a space where a person can write can be increased, so that usability is improved.

In such a configuration, the information input to the computer 10 and the processed information can be converted into a dot code and arbitrarily printed on the reel seal by the reel seal printing machine 12, and the inspection can be newly performed. It can be attached to the result report 60, the reagent container 14, the sample container 16, or the like. All of these dot codes 20 can be read by the pen-type reader 24. In addition, the pen-type reader 24 can read the dot code 20 given to the reagent attached document 18 attached to the reagent or the like.

On the other hand, in order to analyze the sample, the reagent container 1
The dot code 20 given to the sample container 4 and the sample container 16 is automatically read by the dot code scanner 26.

In the automatic analyzer configured as described above, the analysis operation is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

That is, first, the reagent container 14 is set on the reagent table 38 of the analyzer 36 (step S
1) The sample container 16 is set on the sample table 40 of the analyzer 36 (step S2). Then, the reagent container 14 and the sample container 16 are
Is automatically read (step S3, step S4). Of course, the operator may manually read the information using the pen-type reader 24 before setting it in the analyzer 36. The dot code information read in this manner is processed by the information reproducing device 22, and all the information to be input in advance, such as reagent information and sample information, for example, analysis information such as calibration information and additional information, is stored in the computer 10. To be processed.

The input device 32 is provided by the information and the operator.
The computer 10 controls the operation of the analyzer 36 on the basis of the test instruction information input by using, and dispenses the reagent and the sample into the reaction container 64 by the pipetting device 62 and performs the analysis (step S5). ). The analysis data obtained from the analyzer 36 is sent to the computer 10 where it is processed and obtained as an inspection result (step S6).

The inspection result is displayed on the monitor 28 (step S7), and is printed as an inspection result report 60 by the printing machine 30 (step S8). Also,
The printing machine 30 can simultaneously print the dot code 20 including the inspection result and the additional information on the inspection result report 60. The information and the inspection result processed by the computer 10 are stored in the recording device 34 (step S9), and can be referred to in the next inspection.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, raw data for individual quality control, reagents, calibrators, detergents, specimens, and the like are not limited to ID information for verification and conditional expressions indicating lot types. Etc. are stored and managed with dot codes that can store and manage large amounts of information in a small space.
The function capable of reading the dot code eliminates key inputs such as sample analysis conditions and sample reception, and provides an accurate analysis environment. Therefore, in an apparatus that performs analysis or the like while transporting a large number of sample and / or reagent containers, by providing quality control information for each container, the computer directly operates from the container to the computer in the apparatus to perform analysis and the like. Since it is possible to instruct to execute the quality control, it is possible to remarkably reduce the burden of the quality control by a person. Furthermore, the function of not only outputting and using an arbitrary dot code but also outputting the analysis result in a dot code facilitates storage or secondary use of inspection results,
It enables highly reliable automatic analysis. Here, the sample and / or reagent container in which all information necessary for analysis control and quality control are dot-coded and coded is no longer used as a conventional auxiliary information providing means, but is used as a command for analysis. Function as the leading role of.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of dot code reproduction and conversion of arbitrary information into a dot code.

That is, the dot code 20 given to the inspection result report 60 or the like is taken into the information reproducing device 22 via the pen type reader, and the obtained information is sent to the computer 10 for processing and monitored. 28. The information processed by the computer 10 and the inspection result are stored in the recording device 34 and can be referred to in the next inspection. The information input to the computer 10 or the processed information can be dot-coded and arbitrarily printed on the reel seal by the reel seal printing machine 12, and the inspection result report 60, the reagent container 14, It can be attached to the sample container 16 or the like. In some cases, information may be exchanged between samples or reagents, or information may be exchanged between the sample and the reagent, so that mixing can be prevented as much as possible, and information may be added or updated sequentially.

In the second embodiment, the dot code reproducing apparatus and an example in which arbitrary information is converted to a dot code has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which one of the reel seal printing machine 12 and the pen type reader 24 is excluded from the above-described configuration is also applied.
With this configuration, it is possible to reproduce and use a dot code or to create an arbitrary dot code in a place different from the configuration described in the first embodiment.

Since the dot code can store a large amount of data, not only text information but also data formats such as video and audio information can be handled. Calibration curve graphs, accuracy control charts, and comment information by voice input are also represented by dot codes. Can manage.

Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the present invention. . Here, the summary of the present invention is as follows.

(1) An automatic analyzer for analyzing a component item in a sample, a reproducing means for reproducing dot code information, and a display for displaying information corresponding to the dot code information reproduced by the reproducing means. And an output means for outputting the analysis information or arbitrarily created information in a dot code.

(2) A sample analysis method characterized by reading information from a dot code arranged in a container containing a sample, and performing analysis using the read information that contributes to control of the analysis.

(3) A method for analyzing a sample, comprising reading information from a dot code arranged in a container containing a reagent and performing analysis using the read information contributing to control of the analysis.

(4) The read information is information for controlling calibration of the analyzer.
Or the method for analyzing a sample according to (3).

(5) A sample with a dot code, comprising: a container containing the sample; and a dot code code pattern in which information is encoded in a part of the information attached to the sample.

(6) A reagent with a dot code, comprising: a container containing the reagent; and a code pattern of a dot code in which information is encoded in a part of information attached to the reagent.

(7) An inspection result report with a dot code, comprising a code pattern of a dot code obtained by encoding the inspection result.

[0053]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
Because a large amount of data can be stored in dot code, if information such as reagents is managed in dot code, these can be registered without key input, samples can be accepted, and the analysis results can be written in a report in dot code. And a dot code can be arbitrarily created, and the dot code can be easily restored by a reading device, thereby providing an accurate and quick analysis environment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of an analyzer using a dot code.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of a dot code.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the concept of a dot code.
(A) is an explanatory diagram of a block address, and (B) is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a block.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of printing on a reel seal.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for performing a sample analysis in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of reproducing a dot code and converting arbitrary information into a dot code in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 computer 12 reel seal printer 14 reagent container 16 sample container 18 reagent package insert 20 dot code 22 information reproducing device 24 pen type reader 26 dot code scanner 28 monitor 30 printer 32 input device 34 recording device 36 analyzer 38 reagent table 40 Sample table 56 Reel seal 58 Margin 60 Inspection result report 62 Pipetting device 64 Reaction vessel

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An automatic analyzer for analyzing a component item in a sample, comprising: reproducing means for reproducing dot code information; and display means for displaying information corresponding to the dot code information reproduced by the reproducing means. And an output means for outputting analysis information or arbitrarily created information in a dot code, and at least one of the following: 2. A method for analyzing a sample, comprising reading information from a dot code arranged in a container containing a sample and / or a reagent, and performing analysis using the read information contributing to control of the analysis. . 3. The sample analysis method according to claim 2, wherein the read information is information for controlling calibration of the analyzer. 4. A container including a sample and / or a reagent, and a code pattern of a dot code in which information is encoded in a part of information attached to the sample and / or the reagent. Container with dot code. 5. An inspection result report with a dot code, comprising a code pattern of a dot code obtained by encoding an inspection result.